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Kidney Infecton Symptoms

Kidney infection is also medically called pyelonephritis. Kidney infection is a type of urinary tract infection that usually starts when bacteria found in the bladder or urethra move into the kidneys, and the bacteria multiply. Antibiotics will usually treat kidney infections, unless complication arise. In that case, hospitalization may be required. Acute kidney infection begins suddenly with the reveal of serious symptoms. Yet, when treated quickly, it will result in a fast resolution. Chronic kidney infection develops slowly, lingers and grows worse over time. If left untreated, it can result in kidney failure, or spread to the bloodstream or other parts of the body to become life-endangering. Immediate medical attention is needed if a kidney infection is suspected.

  1. Kidney Infection Symptoms

    • When a kidney infection begins, there are general symptoms that one may feel. These include the need for frequent urination or the strong need to urinate, both during the day or during the nighttime hours when one is asleep; a strong burning sensation while urinating; abdominal, side or groin pain or pressure; cloudy urine, sometimes with odor, pus or blood; difficulty or inability to urinate; and fever.

    Severe Kidney Infection Symptoms

    • Individuals with a severe or chronic kidney infection may experience symptoms other than those generally associated when kidney infections first develop. These symptoms include a fever of at least 101 degree Fahrenheit or greater, chills with visible shaking, nighttime sweats, sleepiness, nausea or vomiting, and confusion.

    Kidney Infection Symptoms in Infants and Young Children

    • Infants and young children aren't able to vocalize pain or discomfort. It's up to the caregiver to look for symptoms of illness. Children with fever, nausea or vomiting--or urine in a diaper with an abnormal smell--may need to be examined for a kidney infection if no other symptoms of a flu, runny nose or other illness become apparent within the day. Also, irritability, lack of hunger, loose stool excretion and bed wetting could be signs of a child with a kidney infection.

    Kidney Infection Symptoms in the Elderly

    • Older adults with a kidney infection might only show an altering of the mental state, such as confusion or delirium.

    Prevention

    • To prevent kidney infection, keep the genital area clean, and wipe from front to back to keep bacteria from entering the rectal area to the urethra. Also, remove bacteria that were introduced during sexual intercourse by immediate urination after the act. Drink at least 64 to 128 ounces of fluid to flush bacteria from the bladder with frequent urination. Also, consumption of cranberry juice can prevent some bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall, and it will reduce the risk for infection.

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